Upgrade from Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE

You could keep the pre and go tube amps, assuming they're SS now. I really enjoy this pre and for me, I would side on upgrading around it. I run W4S amps as well, and while I do enjoy the combo, I feel that good tube amp + the STP-SE could be magical.

I can second the Cary SLP-03 preamp comment it is quite good but you need to change the tubes to NOS and then it takes this unit to another level.

Thanks for your responses guys. I do use Wyred amps as well. I did have the STP-SE mated to Cary SLAM-100 tube monoblocks for a while.

I went away from the tube amps because of the heat issue honestly, as my dedicated listening room is small and very well insulated and these amps warmed up the room beyond comfort. Additionally, the Wyred amps were leagues better in dynamics, S/N and bass control, but not as sweet as the Cary's in some aspects.

In addition to the Cary SLP-03, what other suggestions for preamp do you have? I've been considering the ARC LS-26, BAK vk51-SE, Cary SLP-05...these are all more expensive tube pre's. Would you guys see any of these as an upgrade?

Joule Electra makes quality preamps.

Hang on to your STP-SE and get the upgrades done..circuit wizard Chris Johnson, former founder and President of Sonic Frontiers, is doing major upgrades to the STP-SE for Underwood HiFi, the only authorized retail dealer for Wyred4Sound. The complete upgrade costs $ 750.00 resulting in a richer, fuller midrange with more body and weight,
deeper, tighter bass, and smoother high frequencies.
Contact Wally to get all the details.